Sri Lanka is one of the most underrated countries I’ve visited. It has everything from incredible cuisine (kottu rotti and curries) to beautiful beaches (Hiriketiya and Trincomalee), scenic hiking trails (Ella and Nuwara Eliya), and gorgeous landscapes (Sigiriya).
The people are so friendly and their kind gestures left a lasting impression.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, so expect warm weather and sunshine all year round. But, to make it complicated, the country has two monsoon seasons.
April to August is the southwest monsoon, so it’s best to visit the north or east coast during this time. The dry season arrives between December and March in the southwest province.
October to January is the northeast monsoon season, so visiting the central and southwest coast is best. The dry season runs between May and September in the northeastern parts of the country.
October and November are synonymous with erratic weather, and it can rain anywhere, anytime.
What to expect
- Capital city: Colombo
- Language: Sinhala
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- Safety: I felt very safe in Sri Lanka, but beware of petty crime
How to travel around Sri Lanka
The public transport in Sri Lanka is cheap and reliable. There is a train that connects the hill country (Kandy to Ella) as well as the south of the country (Mirissa to Colombo).
Public buses can be used to access other areas of Sri Lanka, but your journeys will involve many stops and delays.
Most tourists hire private drivers as this is an affordable option when traveling in a group.
How many days to spend in Sri Lanka
2 Weeks in Sri Lanka is enough time to see the highlights and tick off the main attractions on your Sri Lanka bucket list. But I recommend at least 3 weeks as there is so much to do and see. If you want to explore the country at a slower pace, you’ll need at least 4 weeks.
